Roots Music and the American South

Nowhere is the rich cultural diversity of the American South more evident than in its music. From the high, lonesome sound emanating from Appalachian hollers to the “lowdown shaking chill” of blues performers in Delta juke joints, Americans, and Southerners in particular, have long expressed their worries, fears, hopes and aspirations through music. Presentations on this subject will take a broad definition of “roots music,” tracing the origins, the influences and the meanings of songs that men and women of various backgrounds have played, danced to, and sung along with over the years. This presentation can be customized to the audience.

The views and opinions expressed by sponsors of and participants in our programs, including our Roads Scholars programs, are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the North Carolina Humanities Council.